Big Trees Trailhead

NPS/Samantha Laarman

Quick Facts

Location:

Joshua Tree National Park

Amenities

2 listed

Parking - Auto, Trailhead

Big Trees Trail is a 6 mile (round trip) out-and-back hike less than 100 ft of elevation gain. This trail is great for admiring the desert vegetation and looking out for wildlife. On this hike, you’ll see some of the bigger Joshua trees in the park. Take a moment and see if you can spot a nesting Red Tail Hawk or Scott’s Oriole in the Joshua trees. On the ground, be on the lookout for racing jackrabbits, burrowing ground squirrels, and the occasional lizard bathing in the sun.  

 
Big Trees Trail is also known as the Lost Horse Connector Trail because it connects to Lost Horse Mine Trail. If you continue on the Lost Horse Mine Trail to the historic mining site, then return to the trailhead, it creates a 10 mile (round trip) out-and back hike with approximately 650 feet of elevation gain. If you continue to hike the full Lost Horse Loop Hike, then return to the trailhead, it creates a 12.5 mile “lollipop” loop hike with approximately 900 feet of elevation gain. 

If camping at Ryan Campground, this trail can be accessed from the campground near campsite 13. If not camping, park your car in the Juniper Flats parking lot and start hiking northeast on the California Riding and Hiking Trail until you reach Ryan Campground. From the campground, begin hiking the Big Trees Trail at the trail junction near campsite 13.